Valero Texas Open earns a ‘Best Of’ honor

The PGA Tour has honored the Valero Texas Open with the “Best Charity Integration” award for 2010 for integrating its charity message into the event’s marketing efforts, both on-site and in tournament programming.

Golf San Antonio, which manages the tournament, announced the award in a release Thursday.

“On behalf of the PGA Tour, I am pleased to acknowledge and congratulate the outstanding job and special recognition the Valero Texas Open has earned for its efforts,” said Andy Pazder, PGA Tour EVP and chief of operations. “The tournament committee should be extremely proud for being acknowledged as the best among its peers on Tour.”

The Valero Texas Open has donated more than $58 million to charities since its inception, according to the release. In 2010, the event raised $8 million through programs such as “Birdies for Charity,” “Chip in for Schools” and the “Valero Benefit for Children.” The tournament also supports the Wounded Warrior program and active duty military personnel and their families.

“Golf San Antonio and Valero believe that charitable giving is the most important component in conducting a PGA TOUR event,” Tony Piazzi, Golf San Antonio president and CEO, said in the statement. “In these challenging times, it is important to integrate our charity message into the community. We are thrilled to receive this award, and thank Valero and our many volunteers for their tremendous support of the Valero Texas Open.”

The 2011 Valero Texas Open will be held April 14-17 at TPC San Antonio.